Milk is a household staple. We use it for drinking, cooking, and baking. And, of course, we can’t forget milk with the morning cereal!
Keeping milk stocked in the fridge is a necessity in most homes. However, this can sometimes be a struggle, especially if a gallon of milk in your house disappears almost as soon as you bring it home.
If you want to save money on milk, you could either quit buying it, or follow some of these tips.
Use Coupons
One great way to save money on milk is to use milk coupons. However, this isn’t as easy as it sounds. Milk coupons are usually much harder to find than other types of grocery coupons, and to make it even more difficult, not all states allow milk coupons.
You can save money on milk by using coupons, though. Check local and national dairy company websites, like TruMoo.com, for instance. You can also try writing to dairies and asking for milk coupons or other ways to save money on milk. Some stores also issue coupons, either specifically for milk or for a certain amount off on you entire purchase.
Watch the Sales
Keep an eye on grocery store and drug store sale ads. Depending on where you live, you can save money on milk by scouting out upcoming sales at your local stores. I know that a neighboring state’s CVS and Rite Aid often have milk on sale for $2.50 a gallon.
When you do find a great sale on milk, stock up. To ensure that it doesn’t go bad too quickly, freeze it. Pour a little milk out first, though, to allow for expansion. When you need some milk, pull out a frozen jug, let it thaw in the refrigerator, and give it a good shake before using it.
Practice Portion Control
I used to cringe every time I dumped a half of a glass of milk down the drain because my kids didn’t drink it all. In reality, I probably poured too much for them in the first place. Try limiting the amount of milk that you and your family use to a reasonable amount. For instance, start with a half of a glass of milk instead of a whole glass, and use a little less milk in cereal.
Consider Milk Alternatives
Non-dairy milk alternatives can sometimes be cheaper than regular cow’s milk. They are more likely to go on sale and easier to to find coupons for. When you can and when it’s cheaper, try out a milk alternative to save money on milk.
You can also substitute all sorts of liquids for milk when cooking. Broth is tasty in mashed potatoes, for instance, and water can also be substituted for milk in some recipes. I’ve also used non-dairy coffee creamer mixed with water to give “cream-based” soups their creaminess.
Make Your Own Milk
Most people would rather forego powdered milk completely than save money on milk. I’m one of those people…but only when it comes to drinking it. I love using powdered milk for cooking and sometimes in y coffee, though. It’s so much cheaper, and I can mix up as large or small of a batch as I need.
You can also add water to condensed milk to make “regular” milk. Again, while this probably the tastiest milk around for drinking or cereal, it’s perfectly fine for cooking or baking. Condensed milk can also be cheaper than regular milk if you find a good sale – such as after the holidays – and you’re armed with coupons.
Finally, you can try your hand at some of the “homemade” milk recipes out their on the Internet. I’ve always been curious about oat milk, but I have yet to be brave enough to give it a whirl. Like powdered milk or condensed milk, though, I imagine that it wouldn’t be as tasty as regular milk, but perfectly fine for cooking and baking.
